The helicopter market could see a new drone entrant. News outlets reported seeing a mockup of Serbian manufacturer Engine Development and Production’s (EDePro) X-01 Hornet in Abu Dhabi at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) this week. With two-blades on its main rotor, the lightweight aircraft has been designed for multi-role capabilities, and to be a potential competitor in the rotary-wing market.

Some civil applications for the EDePro Hornet include firefighting and radiation detection. Reports have said the company is already in contact with potential customers for the latter. Forward-looking infrared capabilities, and the potential for fiber optic guided missiles, could make the drone suitable for military application.